Are you getting dental implants or considering them as a potential option for tooth replacement? No matter where you are in your decision-making process, I think this information will help you.
If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Are there any food restrictions with dental implants?
Once your implants are integrated and restored, you will be pleased to learn that there are no food restrictions. One of the great advantages of implants is that they do not move when chewing, which allows you to eat nuts and hard foods. Implants are not sensitive to cold or sweets, so you do not have to avoid ice cream and cold beverages. However, a good general rule of thumb is to not chew on ice or use implants to open or cut stuff just the way you would with your natural teeth.
Is it painful to get dental implants?
There is no pain associated with the procedure of implant placement. Before the procedure, you will receive local anesthesia to ensure you have a comfortable, pain-free experience. After the procedure, it is normal to feel some discomfort and soreness for a few days. Over-the-counter pain medication is usually enough to manage it. This will pass, but you should follow detailed instructions for a successful recovery, some of which include eating softer foods in the beginning and being careful when cleaning around your implants while brushing your teeth.
Will I need a bone graft?
Patients who do not have enough bone density can expect to undergo a bone graft or sinus lift before receiving dental implants. This decision will be made during your initial consultation when a comprehensive examination is done to determine how strong your jawbone is. If it’s not strong enough, it will be necessary to add bone grafting minerals to these weaker areas and allow it to grow before we can begin the process of implant placement.
Do I need a CT scan?
CT scan is a great diagnostic tool and is often needed when more than one tooth is missing, when the bone density is not great, or if the implant must be placed near the nerve or maxillary sinus. Your dentist will determine whether you need one or not.
CT or CBCT scans show us the exact position of nerves and major blood vessels, where sinus cavities come close to the jawbone and the thickness of the bone. The scans can help dentists choose the optimal location for the implant, based on the individual findings.
Will dental insurance cover the cost of my dental implants?To answer this question, you will need to check your policy. Some dental insurance companies have a “missing tooth clause.” Under a dental plan with a missing tooth clause, insurance will not cover the cost of the implant placement procedure if the tooth was extracted or fell out before the current coverage began. Some insurances do not cover the cost of surgical
